I made this frame in the summer of 2009, and built the fork at Nomad Architecture in Queens in early 2010.

It's got pretty interesting handling, probably more to do with the 70-degree seat tube and very low bottom bracket than with the 20-inch wheels. It also has very low trail, and rides best when it has about 30 pounds of stuff strapped to the rack.

One thing I added, which may or may not be original, is a set screw at the back of the head tube. It locks the fork in place, which is useful when loading up the basket or when leaning the bike against a
wall.

I rode this bike as a commuter and errand bike from the fall of 2010 through the winter, until the spring of 2011. I probably put about 1000 miles on it, which is enough, considering the odd handling and a number of other quirks. Still, I would do it all over again. As a first bike-building project, it taught me a huge amount about geometry, handling, and "feel". I will probably build a second mini-velo frame and transfer these parts over. It will have a shorter top tube, higher bottom bracket, a bit more trail, and a more comfortable saddle(!).

Update May 2012: This bicycle has been re-brazed into a cycletruck. See J.Nachlin #6 - Cycle Truck

I made this frame in the summer of 2009, and built the fork at Nomad Architecture in Queens in early 2010.

It's got pretty interesting handling, probably more to do with the 70-degree seat tube and very low bottom bracket than with the 20-inch wheels. It also has very low trail, and rides best when it has about 30 pounds of stuff strapped to the rack.

One thing I added, which may or may not be original, is a set screw at the back of the head tube. It locks the fork in place, which is useful when loading up the basket or when leaning the bike against a
wall.

I rode this bike as a commuter and errand bike from the fall of 2010 through the winter, until the spring of 2011. I probably put about 1000 miles on it, which is enough, considering the odd handling and a number of other quirks. Still, I would do it all over again. As a first bike-building project, it taught me a huge amount about geometry, handling, and "feel". I will probably build a second mini-velo frame and transfer these parts over. It will have a shorter top tube, higher bottom bracket, a bit more trail, and a more comfortable saddle(!).

Update May 2012: This bicycle has been re-brazed into a cycletruck. See J.Nachlin #6 - Cycle Truck